Ernst Henseler (1852-1940) - Portrait

Ernst Henseler (1852-1940), without title (Portrait of a Gentleman), 1909.

Pastel, watercolor, and graphite drawing on thin paper. 44 x 28.6 cm, signed and dated.

Provenance: Private collection, Berlin.

Condition: age-related condition, minimal creases at the edges of the sheets. Photos are part of the condition description.

Biography
Ernst Henseler (1852–1940) was a German artist and graphic artist who became known primarily for his works in painting, drawing, printmaking, and applied graphics. He worked during the transitional period from the 19th to the 20th century and is stylistically situated between late Historicism, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), and early Modernism.
Henseler’s work is characterized by high craftsmanship, clear compositions, and a pronounced interest in typography, ornamentation, and image structure. In addition to free art, he created illustrations, book and applied graphics, thereby contributing significantly to the development of German graphic and design culture of his time.
As an artist of the Wilhelmine era and early Modernism, Ernst Henseler is today primarily of art-historical relevance. His works are found in archives, public collections, and estates, documenting the shift from traditional art concepts toward modern visual design.